From 1901 to 1935, the Philippines was governed by the United States of America. The Governor-General was appointed by the President of the United States and approved by the Senate. Unlike the Governors General of the British Dominions, the American Governors General exercised active executive authority over the nation they were appointed to administer, more like Governors of British colonies.

The President of the Philippines is the head of state and government of the Republic of the Philippines. The President of the Philippines in Filipino is referred to as Ang Pangulo or Pangulo ("Presidente," informally). The executive power is vested in the President of the Philippines.

Andrés Bonifacio was President (titled Supremo) of the Tagalog Republic's revolutionary government from 1896–97. Emilio Aguinaldo was President of the insurgent Philippine Republic revolutionary government from 1899-1902. The Philippine government recognises Emilio Aguinaldo as "President of the First Republic".[4]